Kruger National Park Safari and Maintenance
In January, before departing for St Helena, the boat needed some maintenance to the engine and the rigging needed to be completely changed.
Although this delay enabled a short safari in the Kruger National Park, it prevented Paul from stopping in Namibia en-route to St Helena.
After the crews adventures in the Kruger National Park, the extended delay also gave Katie the chance to strongly encourage Paul to attend a Robbie Williams concert. (We have been assured that he definitely wasn’t dragged kicking and screaming against his will!)
Following the repairs in early February, they set sail for St Helena where they visited the original Jacobs Ladder and ascended the rumoured 699 steps. They also took the time to visit the former home and burial site of Napoleon.
Next up was a jolly to Fernando De Noronha just off the Brazilian coastline where the diving opportunities are excellent. Following their diving experience, they travelled onto Racifi in mainland Brazil and whilst en-route they were visited by some friendly whale sharks.
This month also marks the first of Paul and Katie’s circumnavigation of the globe.
February brought with it a plethora of mechanical issues for the crew during their travels to Brazil including damage to their water pump, broken air conditioning system, along with limited fuel availability and light winds causing delays to their trip. However, they safely arrived on 24th February and are looking forward to some down time.
Paul and Katie have crossed the Amazon basin in the last few days taking them back into the Northern hemisphere.
Their next planned stop was a 620 mile expedition to Devils Island for a quick 24 hour stop, however they didn’t make it to the island due to slow winds. The weather really hasn’t been on their side lately!
After their trip to Devils Island being unexpectedly cut short, they continued on to St George’s, Grenada a further 780 miles.
The crew arrived at St George’s, Grenada for their second visit of the trip where they were able to admire the significant upgrades to the port.
Leaving Grenada, Paul headed to Carriacou and Union Islands where in June 2024 Hurricane Beryl devastated the islands forcing two thirds of the population to relocate to St Vincent. The islands are now alive with activity as they rebuild.
Paul met with a 104 year old resident who after being relocated to a shelter during the storm returned to find a speed boat in her bed!
